Dear Facebook,
You recently turned 10 years old and came up with that cool idea to create one-minute videos that recap our history with you. I love those things! Anyway, I thought this would be
a good time to write you a little note and tell you how I feel about you.
In the beginning when my daughter mentioned that MySpace was
no longer “in” and the new thing was “Facebook” I found your name very odd. A
face book? Weird. And I wasn’t sure I wanted her messing around on a site that
seemed like a great big chat room. She messed around on it anyway.
I joined your site in 2008 at my daughter's insistence.
The girl is persistent, that one. I was hesitant and not really sure I wanted
to do it, but before I knew what hit me you hooked me up with 15 Facebook
friends and there was no turning back.
In the six years since I’ve joined your site I have been
entertained, annoyed, enlightened and disgusted. I have added lots of friends and have also
hidden a couple from my feed. No sense being irritated on a daily basis by one of
those “friends” who wants to do nothing but complain or rant about everything. Day
after day. {click/hide/see ya!}
I also love the way you help me stay connected with friends near and far, with high school friends from long ago and with blog friends I've never had the pleasure to meet in person. You're such a great way to supplement a friendship, Facebook.
It’s also been very interesting to witness the lives of people from
a safe distance. There have been folks that I have wanted to shake some
sense into – those who air all their dirty laundry and leave me thinking, “Oh
for the love of Pete. Stop already!” But there have also been those who take a leap and add a
status that ends up being a call for support. We've lifted each other up in times of strife and have celebrated our successes together. You’re
really good for that, Facebook.
Through you we have shared the joys of welcoming a brand
new baby, sent condolences over the loss of a loved one, helped someone find a
lost pet or a last minute babysitter, and set up many camping trips. You’re
just so handy that way, Facebook.
I would have never believed when I joined your site six
years ago that I would be so taken by the community you’ve fostered. I thank
you, Facebook, for connecting me with the people I love, for reminding me of the
people I don’t (ha!), and for giving me a place to share my current status when
the urge strikes me.
You’re a really cool deal, Facebook, and in a really strange
way I’m super grateful for you.
Happy birthday, Facebook! Here’s to the next 10 years. I "like" you.
♥ ~ Deb